HTC made a new VR headset that pairs with its U11 smartphone

HTC has unveiled a new VR headset.

Called the HTC Link, it is made to work specifically with the company’s latest U11 smartphone. It offers six degrees-of-freedom tracking – something that no other smartphone-based VR headset offers – and it seems to use an external camera sensor to track its motion controllers with lights. According to UploadVR, the camera and controllers come with HTC Link, but the kit will only be available in Japan.

• HTC is making a mobile VR headset unlike anything we’ve seen so far
• HTC U11: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

HTC

Keep in mind HTC also revealed in early 2017 that it was making a new mobile VR headset. At the time, the mysterious device was described by HTC as something different than Google Daydream View and similar headsets. But, according to CNET, which spoke to Chief Financial Officer Chia-lin Chang, HTC was developing the VR product – or new “virtual reality toy” – to be compatible with the U Ultra.

HTC already sells the Vive headset, which is a lot like the Oculus Rift in that it needs to be tethered to a PC, and it also offers an add-on that turns the headset into a standalone device. HTC specified that it’s new VR product wouldn’t work like Daydream View, which uses a phone for its screen, sensors, and processing power, but claimed it would sit somewhere between the Oculus Rift and Daydream View.

Although it’s unclear right now, the new HTC Link could be the VR headset that Chang was talking about in February. However, as we said, the HTC Link is designed for the U11. It features two 3.6-inch 1080 x 1200 LCD displays with a 110-degree field of view and support for 90Hz refresh rate. That means the HTC Link won’t use the U11’s display, though both devices connect via a USB-C cable.

We’ll let you know if HTC ever plans to expand the HTC Link beyond the Japanese market.

• Google Daydream: What does it do and what devices support it?
• Standalone Daydream VR is now a reality, HTC and Lenovo onboard
• HTC Vive standalone Daydream headset: What’s the story so far?

• HTC is making a mobile VR headset unlike anything we’ve seen so far
• HTC U11: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

HTC

Keep in mind HTC also revealed in early 2017 that it was making a new mobile VR headset. At the time, the mysterious device was described by HTC as something different than Google Daydream View and similar headsets. But, according to CNET, which spoke to Chief Financial Officer Chia-lin Chang, HTC was developing the VR product – or new “virtual reality toy” – to be compatible with the U Ultra.

HTC already sells the Vive headset, which is a lot like the Oculus Rift in that it needs to be tethered to a PC, and it also offers an add-on that turns the headset into a standalone device. HTC specified that it’s new VR product wouldn’t work like Daydream View, which uses a phone for its screen, sensors, and processing power, but claimed it would sit somewhere between the Oculus Rift and Daydream View.

Although it’s unclear right now, the new HTC Link could be the VR headset that Chang was talking about in February. However, as we said, the HTC Link is designed for the U11. It features two 3.6-inch 1080 x 1200 LCD displays with a 110-degree field of view and support for 90Hz refresh rate. That means the HTC Link won’t use the U11’s display, though both devices connect via a USB-C cable.

We’ll let you know if HTC ever plans to expand the HTC Link beyond the Japanese market.

• Google Daydream: What does it do and what devices support it?
• Standalone Daydream VR is now a reality, HTC and Lenovo onboard
• HTC Vive standalone Daydream headset: What’s the story so far?

HTC already sells the Vive headset, which is a lot like the Oculus Rift in that it needs to be tethered to a PC, and it also offers an add-on that turns the headset into a standalone device. HTC specified that it’s new VR product wouldn’t work like Daydream View, which uses a phone for its screen, sensors, and processing power, but claimed it would sit somewhere between the Oculus Rift and Daydream View.

Android’s co-founder might unveil his new Essential phone next week

Andy Rubin is getting ready to unveil a phone from his new company.

Here’s the situation: Rubin is a former Google executive who once oversaw the development of Android. He left Google in 2014. In January, he started a new company, called Essential, and said it would be developing a high-end smartphone with an edge-to-edge display and minimal bezels. Then, in March, he teased what appeared to be the first smartphone – and, as he already hinted, it has almost no bezel.

Hi, welcome to our Twitter page. We’re here to let you know something big is coming May 30th! Stay tuned…

— Essential (@essential) May 25, 2017

Google’s Eric Schmidt later confirmed that the device will run Android. Now, after a couple months of silence, Essential has announced via Twitter that “something big” is coming 30 May. We’re assuming we will get a glimpse of the first Essential smartphone in five days. But that’s pretty much all we know. From a picture teased earlier this year via Twitter, we can see that the phone has a speaker cutout at the top.

• Does this leak prove Motorola is working on a new Android tablet?
• Nokia 8 flagship Android phone: Release date, rumours and specs
• When is Android 7.1.1 Nougat coming to my phone?

It looks like it has a volume rocker on the side, too. Essential’s Twitter page doesn’t yet offer any other clues. But we do know that Essential plan to focus on connected tablets, smartphones, mobile software, and maybe even 360-degree cameras.

Hopefully we’ll know more next week.

Remember Beam? No? That’s OK, Microsoft calls it Mixer now

Microsoft has relaunched its Twitch competitor.

The company acquired Beam, a video game live-streaming platform, last August, in response to the popularity of Amazon’s Twitch and debut of YouTube Gaming. But, now, it has given Beam a new name: Mixer. In addition to the re-branding, Microsoft has introduced new features to Mixer, including a mobile streaming app and the ability to combine up to four separate streams into one experience.

• What is YouTube Gaming and could it kill Twitch?
• Amazon Prime adds Twitch Prime to offer game discounts, free loot
• Twitch unveils Steam-like store so it can sell games on top of streaming

Like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, Mixer allows you to stream your game play directly to fans and followers. The new co-streaming feature lets four PC streamers combine their broadcasts into a single stream with “split-screen” views. It’s available on PC starting 25 May, while Xbox Insiders will be given the chance to test it before it generally rolls out to Microsoft’s gaming console.

Microsoft has also launched the Mixer Create mobile app for iOS and Android. It’s available in beta and will support self-broadcasting. It will also soon offer the ability to stream mobile games, allowing you to join co-streaming broadcasts with players on PC, console, and other mobile devices. These features may also come to some of Microsoft’s titles as well, according to a blog post.

Mixer co-founder Matt Salsamend said:

“The Minecraft team is experimenting with the interactivity that Mixer offers as a possibility for official game integration. And, some Minecraft community members have already created interactive experiences using this technology that allow viewers to do things like spawn in zombies or change the weather.”

Microsoft also said Mixer will be used to stream Microsoft’s E3 2017 press conference in June. Check out Pocket-lint’s E3 guide for more details about what companies may announce at the show this summer.

• Battlefield 1’s next DLC has a female soldier class, due this summer
• Xbox Game Pass: Release date, price and all the games you can play
• Red Dead Redemption 2 has been delayed, see new screenshots here

The Wirecutter’s best deals: Save $60 on a PlayStation VR

This post was done in partnership with The Wirecutter, a buyer’s guide to the best technology. When readers choose to buy The Wirecutter’s independently chosen editorial picks, they may earn affiliate commissions that support their work. Read their continuously updated list of deals here.

You may have already seen Engadget posting reviews from our friends at The Wirecutter. Now, from time to time, we’ll also be publishing their recommended deals on some of their top picks. Read on, and strike while the iron is hot — some of these sales could expire mighty soon.

PlayStation VR

Street price: $400; MSRP: $400; Deal price: $340

This is a new low price on our PS4 owner’s pick for best VR headset (for now). The PS VR hasn’t moved much from it’s $400 price point, and this deal brings it $10 below the previous best price. It should be noted that this is the standalone headset only – no Move controllers or cameras.

The PlayStation VR is our PS4 owners pick in our guide to the best VR headsets for PC and PS4. Signe Brewster writes, “Sony’s PlayStation VR headset can’t track you quite as well as the competition can, but it’s good enough to provide a fun, solid virtual reality gaming experience. If you own a PlayStation 4 or 4 Pro (or would rather buy one than an expensive gaming PC), the PSVR’s $500 price tag makes it an easy pick. There are plenty of games to choose from—including PSVR exclusives like Rez Infinite as well as games like EVE: Valkyrie that are available on Vive and Rift—its camera and controllers are PlayStation accessories you may already own, and it’s easy to get into if you’re already familiar with the PlayStation’s user interface. Two of my testers also chose it as the most comfortable headset (the other two picked the Rift).”

Refurbished DJI Phantom 4 Drone

Street price: $1000; MSRP: $1400; Deal price: $700

Here’s a new low price on our former upgrade drone pick. While we’ve seen deals on this refurbished model in the past, this is about $35 below the previous best price. This refurbished Phantom 4 comes with the same standard warranty that a new DJI drone does – 12 months for major components and 6 months for most parts and accessories.

The DJI Phantom 4 is our former upgrade pick in our best drones guide. Mike Perlman wrote, “If you need advanced photo and video capabilities, and you want to fly for a longer duration, and you really want to make sure you don’t crash your $1,400 flying machine into the side of a barn, the Phantom 4 is for you. The Phantom 4 has a forward-collision sensing system that will stop the drone in its tracks before it gets too friendly with a tree. It also benefits from a longer battery life and rugged, redesigned body, including a totally new recessed gimbal that should better protect the camera assembly. Propellers can now be changed in the blink of an eye with a new press-and-lock system, and in addition to 4K recording, the Phantom 4 offers 120 frames per second at 1080p. Its newly designed lens cuts distortion significantly (compared to the Phantom 3) and it offers new modes including ActiveTrack (which automatically follows a moving subject), TapFly (which flies wherever the pilot taps on the FPV screen), and Sport Mode (in which the Phantom 4 can reach 45 mph for racing). Battery life has also been increased to a stated 28 minutes (about 22 minutes in our real-world testing). The Phantom 4 is the ultimate pick for seasoned photographers and videographers.”

L.L.Bean Quad Pack Backpack

Street price: $80; MSRP: $80; Deal price: $64 with code SUMMER

A nice discount for those thinking ahead to school in the fall. L.L. Bean is currently offering 20% off the Quad Pack backpack with the use of a coupon code in cart. All colors are still available, but the last time we posted a 20 percent off promo on these backpacks several quickly sold and were moved to backordered status. Make sure to use code: SUMMER to get your 20 percent off and act quickly if you need a backpack in the near future. This promo runs through 5/31. Shipping is free.

The L.L. Bean Quad Pack is our top pick in our guide to the best school backpack for high school and college. Mathew Olsen writes, “Offering versatility at an appealing price, the L.L.Bean Quad Pack is a great backpack for taking to class, bringing on a walk through the park, or carrying on a day trip on the trails. First and foremost, the Quad is exceptionally comfortable even when loaded up in warm weather. It’s spacious, capable of carrying a lot in its sensibly organized pockets. The Quad also boasts a unique outer pouch that can be the only storage you need for a short outing. On L.L.Bean’s site the Quad has great reviews from high schoolers, hikers, law-school students, and archaeologists alike. It isn’t a revolutionary bag, but for this price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a backpack as thoughtfully designed.”

Coleman Classic Camping Stove

Street price: $43; MSRP: $55; Deal price: $36

While we’ve seen it for a couple bucks cheaper in the past, this is very close to the best price we’ve seen. It’s been $33 before, but that was only once and the deal lasted for less than a day. This is a nice $7 drop below the average street price this year. Plus, now that this camping stove is back in stock, it’s immediately available for Prime shipping.

The Coleman Classic Camping Stove is our top pick in our guide to the best camping stove. Kit Dillon writes, “Though it didn’t boil water the fastest or slow-cook the longest, we decided it just didn’t matter. Who cares if your water boils a minute faster or slower? The most important feature of the Coleman is that after getting tossed in and out of your car over and over again, it has the best chance of not breaking. With that in mind, it still boiled water faster—6 cups in 5 minutes on high—than anything except our upgrade pick. It is gentle enough to griddle golden-brown pancakes when turned down low, can cook with both burners on high on a single 16.4-ounce tank of propane for roughly an hour, and has the barest minimum of parts for easy maintenance. This model does not have a Piezo ignitor—that little red button you see on a lot of stoves that lights the gas—so you’ll have to bring a lighter. To us, that’s just one less thing to break (and they always break).”

Because great deals don’t just happen on Thursdays, sign up for our daily deals email and we’ll send you the best deals we find every weekday. Also, deals change all the time, and some of these may have expired. To see an updated list of current deals, please go to The Wirecutter.com.

Tesla’s Model 3 budget EV can do 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds

Some of the performance details of Tesla’s Model 3, which is set to begin production in July, were leaked today by insiders at the Tesla Model 3 Owners Club. An infographic comparing the new, $35,000 model with the fancier and more powerful Model S reports a 0-60 time of a zippy 5.6 seconds.

While that’s slower than the Model S, the cheapest version of which is $69,500, it’s a bit quicker than the comparably priced Chevy Bolt, which takes 6.5 seconds to hit 60MPH. The leaked specs, which were confirmed to Road & Track by a Tesla spokesperson, also note a range of 215-plus miles. And while that number isn’t confirmed yet by the EPA, it’s just short of the Bolt’s 238-mile rating.

The highly anticipated Model 3 pulled in a whopping 252,000 pre-orders in the first two days of its availability alone and reached around 400,000 in total. But while the car is fast, the production is slow. And unfortunately for those waiting, the infographic also appears to confirm the expected mid-2018 delivery date. Your electric car road races will just have to wait.

Via: Road & Track

Source: Tesla Model 3 Owners Club

Popular iOS notes app Bear adds sketching (and stickers)

Bear, a fast, lightweight and lovely note-taking app for iOS and the Mac, has been building a following over the past year or so. The app’s excellent design, small but essential feature set and steady stream of updates have made it worth its subscription cost ($14.99 per year or $1.49 per month, though you can get most of its features for free). Today, a pretty major update is rolling out to the iOS app: Bear now supports sketching. In keeping with Bear’s focus on essentials, the sketching feature includes two different brushes, each with three different widths and a variety of colors.

You can use your finger or a stylus, including the Apple Pencil on the iPad Pro, and drawings sync across your iPhone, iPad and Mac provided you’re a subscriber. But you can only create and edit drawings on the iPhone or iPad; on the Mac you can just view your scribbles. Those images live as attachments to text notes just like any other picture you bring into Bear.

Another iOS-only feature is stickers for iMessage, because why not? As you might expect, they encompass a cute bear doing a variety of cute things. The last little update pertains to the app’s visual themes — now, when you change the app’s theme, it’ll also change the home screen icon on your phone or the dock icon on your Mac. But the main attraction is obviously sketching. While I don’t want Bear’s developers to add too many features and make the app into a bloated monster, pretty much every notes app out there (including Apple’s Notes app) supports drawing to some extent. Having it in Bear just makes good sense.

Source: Bear Writer

App Highlight: Super Senso

The App

Developed by GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc., Super Senso is a new app with only 10,000 installs. Having been updated on May 17, 2017, the developer is constantly fixing various bugs with the latest update bringing a number of optimizations. Battle players from around the world in real-time PvP multiplayer matches and destroy the senso-gate to victory.

What it does

Using a mash-up squad of armored tanks, cats and dinosaurs, tentacled aliens, giant mechs, creepy zombies, you’ll be battling in a turn-based strategy PvP game. Deploy your army to battle in real-time to outsmart your opponents.

Compete to top the challenge leaderboard and collect and level-up SENSO heroes that fit your play style! Whether it’s soaring over opponents with Chuck or dominating on defense with Guardian, you choose to battle in a 3D battle map to overcome your opponent.

Why we like it

Super Senso has great graphics and easy controls. It is a game that you can quickly just pick up and play. I would like to see more game modes included to expand the engagement factor and also an offline campaign mode to play. Otherwise, if you like PvP games then this one is worth a try.

How to get it

Super Senso is available for free from the Google Play Store. You can download it right here.

New Parkmobile integration helps BMW drivers find a place to park

Why it matters to you

This kind of integration may point the way toward a much more seamless driving experience.

Driving in a big city already requires all the patience you have, so naturally, you don’t have the energy to deal with finding a parking space. Thankfully, now you don’t have to, as Parkmobile has partnered with BMW to create an integrated solution that lets drivers find, pay for, renew, and yes, even reserve parking spaces. Previously available only as an app, Parkmobile is now featured in new BMW vehicle lines, leveraging these cars’ navigation and GPS systems to find parking.

Heralded as “the industry’s first automated on-street and off-street reservations parking” system, Parkmobile-enabled BMW cars will prompt drivers to find space through their dashboard screens. This seamless process will not require either opening up the app on a smartphone (because none of us use our phones while we drive, right?) or paying a physical meter. Rather, all can be handled directly from their in-car screens.

The new system will work very similarly to the existing app, as vehicles will prepopulate parking options based on GPS coordinates, which allows for one-touch parking. Moreover, drivers can preselect the amount of time they’d like to purchase, and manage and extend their parking sessions using the Parkmobile app.

“We are extremely proud to partner with BMW to deliver this tremendous innovation in the automotive and parking industries alike,” said Jon Ziglar, Parkmobile’s CEO. “By embedding real-time parking payment and advanced reservations capabilities into the automobile itself, we complete the circle of delivering a truly seamless parking experience for drivers in any parking scenario, whether it be on-street, off-street, real-time, or in advance. Furthermore, this is a significant step in paving the way for autonomous vehicles of the future to control and manage the end of their journey unassisted.”

So if you’re tired of adding time to your already long trip just for the sake of parking, a new BMW may be the solution.

Disney CEO Bob Iger now says the company wasn’t hacked

A couple of weeks ago, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Disney CEO Bob Iger had emailed employees about a ransom demand. Rumors indicated that hackers claimed to have a copy of an upcoming movie, possibly Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, but now the exec tells Yahoo Finance that “We don’t believe that it was real and nothing has happened.” The threat was probably taken more seriously in light of a hacker releasing Orange is the New Black episodes, but as of tonight, the only people threatening the world with another Pirates flick are the folks at Disney.

Via: CNBC

Source: Yahoo Finance

A sheet of this smart fabric can transform any table into a giant trackpad

Why it matters to you

Whether it’s for accessibility purposes or another reason, this giant trackpad material will give you more space to work.

Ever think that the twitchy computer trackpad on your laptop does not give you enough space to work with? Smart materials maker Madison Maxey is here to help. Developed with Brooklyn’s New Lab and Autodesk’s Pier 9 workshop, Maxey has created a Textile Touchpad that looks a bit like a tablecloth but is, in fact, a giant touch-sensitive surface.

“We created the textile trackpad as an early sample that can help designers, the disabled, and the elderly comfortably use a trackpad by expanding the size of the interface,” Maxey, who is founder of the smart fabric startup Loomia, told Digital Trends. “Imagine a designer having an intimate canvas, or shaky hands being able to navigate a computer with a palm instead of a finger. Fabric is a strong platform for large surface-area technology because it can fold into a small space to carry, and expand to cover a table when it’s needed. We decided to build this textile trackpad to show that smart fabric can be more than workout shirts and light up dresses — but can also be a functional part of our experience with the digital world.”

Unfolded, the material measures 30 by 36 inches. Aside from the difference in form factor, though, it works much like any other touch surface and even boasts some smart vibration motors which provide haptic feedback to show that users’ gestures have been picked up.

If you are wondering how much you will need to give Maxey to get hold of one of your own, however, don’t sweat — it’s free. Well, almost. You need to buy components, such as the Adafruit Flora micro-controller that gives it its smarts, but Maxey has made the whole design freely available on Instructables so you can build your own.

“This project was started at Autodesk and there’s a strong open source community there,” she continued. “We decided to open source the prototype instructions so that makers can start to think of smart fabric as a tool for creation, and to align with Autodesk’s philosophy.”

You can check out the Instructables page here.